[Bobalu]

If I end up doing this it will be about
Programming this particular controller in C
and assembly. It runs at 16.5mhz without a crystal
and at up to 20mhz with one. I never use a crystal
since it costs you 2 I/O pins.

This processor has internal RAM, EPROM and flash memory. It can easily communicate with a PC using USB. It's a great chip for beginners as it's so cheap and can do so much.

I usually get them 100 at a time and they cost about 1.25 each. I buy from Mouser.com but lots of people stock them.

Here is the pdf datasheet

I use these little processors to build hobby type fun projects. But they can be called on to do serious work as well. It's basically a whole computer for a buck and a quarter.

The compiler is free and of excellent quality, as is the free IDE.

[fnord]

Sounds like a fun hobby. I’d follow along, if for no other reason than to brush up on C and assembly programming.

But if I may ask:

1 - Can you be more specific about what these little devices can be used for, especially around the home for a hobbyist. I have no idea what value these would have, however miniscule.

2 - Are these free compilers/IDEs only Windows based, or are there good equivalents in the Linux world?

3 - Do these involve soldering and circuit board work?

[Mycroft Holmes]

The ATTiny is exactly the right approach for this sort of thing. You can build interesting little devices to do stuff that interests you that ***you can't buy***

You will learn assembly and how a modern microprocessor works in detail and how to program in C. If you have a PC and an internet connection you can get the very best of programmers (the Dragon) for a mere $50.

This is a sweet deal folks. If you are interested in this sort of thing this is the way to go.